Contributing Factors

There are a number of factors that contribute to one’s detox experience.

The type of the substance abused, the length of time an individual abused the substance, the personal health history of the individual, the potency of the substance abused, the presence of any co morbid disorders will all play a part in one’s detox experience. It is imperative to consider the variables that will likely contribute to one’s detox process. This will allow an individual to plan accordingly, and ensure their safety throughout the entire detox process. Any individual that has habitually abused drugs and/ or alcohol has likely developed a tolerance to the abused substance or substances. When a drug tolerance is built, one’s body begins to rely on the substance to function. When the substance is not present, the body will respond, in the form of withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms are physical manifestations of the body purging abused drugs and/ or alcohol.

They are essentially side effects the body endures as it begins to learn to function without the presence of the previously abused substance or substances with which it had become accustomed. The type of withdrawal symptoms that may manifest will depend on the substance or substances abused, the length of time an individual abused the substance, the potency of the substance abused, method of use (i.e. injecting, snorting, smoking…etc.) the individual’s age, as well as the personal health history of the individual. While each abused substance has its own set of withdrawal symptoms associated with detoxing from it, there are some common withdrawal symptoms that typically manifest across the board. These can include, but are not limited to the following examples of symptoms:

It is important to note that every individual is different and will likely experience a unique set of withdrawal symptoms, with varying levels of severity. Withdrawal symptoms begin at some point during the acute detox phase. The severity of the symptoms usually decrease as time progresses, but some of the symptoms may linger beyond the completion of the acute detox process.

Post-Acute Withdrawal (PAWS)

After an individual completes the acute detox process, which includes the first stage of withdrawal symptoms, post-acute withdrawal syndrome may occur.

The withdrawal symptoms associated with PAWS generally last much longer than those from the acute detox phase. Although the specific withdrawal symptoms will vary from person to person during the acute detox and withdrawal phase, many individuals experience similar withdrawal symptoms during post-acute withdrawal. Some examples of commonly reported post-acute withdrawal symptoms can include, but are not limited to the following:

This occurs as a result of the brain having to re-calibrates as it must learn to function after the individual stops using drugs and/ or alcohol. The symptoms primarily manifest as psychological and emotional withdrawal symptoms.